FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 6, 2018

Speaker Heastie Statement on Confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh


With the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, Republicans in the United States Senate have callously turned their backs on victims of sexual violence and those who believe in the sanctity of our nation's highest court. All Americans deserve to know that justices serving lifetime appointments on our nation's highest court are even-handed, impartial and demonstrate the highest level of honesty and integrity. Brett Kavanaugh meets none of these criteria and his appointment comes at a great cost to the Senate's reputation as a pillar of our democracy.

Across the nation, we have been witnessing a watershed moment where brave victims are speaking out about their experiences dealing with sexual violence and harassment. Last week, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford bravely sat in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the nation to tell her story and answer questions about one of the most traumatic events a person can experience. Women have finally felt empowered to tell their stories and expose those that have used their power to intimidate them into silence. But today, Republican Senators chose to ignore these stories and cast the accused as the true victim.

While Republicans in Washington demonstrate craven attempts to reverse existing policies that promote equality and opportunity, and continue to enact policies that threaten the rights and progress of women and all Americans, the Assembly Majority will continue to lead the way by passing progressive legislation to improve the lives of women and all New Yorkers. The fight continues.